Live Earth Must Keep Lights On

The UK’s light bulbs will have to remain on during the London leg of Live Earth this summer after The National Grid vetoed organiser’s plans for a symbolic ‘switch off.’

The events chief organiser, Former US Vice President Al Gore, had hoped that lights could be switched off across the UK to mark the country’s support for climate change. The National Grid has prevented the idea, however, saying that it could cause unpredictable power surges.

A spokesman for the company said: “We are used to dealing with surges in demand, as it happens every day around certain TV programmes. But it's very difficult to forecast exactly what would happen in terms of demand. We would have had no idea how small or large it would be."

The National Grid have welcomed other alternatives for a symbolic gesture, however, and have said that they will work with organiser’s to find what else could be done.

Live Earth will take place simultaneously in nine countries across the world on July 7th in a bid to raise awareness about climate change. The London gig – which takes place at the new Wembley Stadium – will feature performances from Madonna and Genesis.